In this article, we will delve into a framework for cultivating effective study habits that cater to the specific needs of neurodivergent learners, enabling them to thrive academically.
Goal-setting and breaking down tasks
The importance of setting clear academic goals cannot be overstated. Neurodivergent learners may benefit from breaking down these goals into manageable steps, reducing feelings of overwhelm and boosting their confidence as they achieve smaller milestones. Here are some ideas:
- SMART Goals: Teach students the concept of SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound) and guide them in setting academic and personal targets.
- Task prioritisation: Demonstrate techniques for assessing tasks by importance and urgency, helping students decide where to focus their efforts.
- Weekly planners: Provide students with weekly planner templates, showing them how to allocate tasks throughout the week to prevent last-minute rushes.
- Task mind-mapping: Introduce mind-mapping as a tool for breaking down projects into smaller sub-tasks, making complex assignments less overwhelming.
- Progress tracking: Show students how to track their progress by maintaining a task completion journal, celebrating achievements along the way.
Time management strategies
Neurodivergent learners might struggle with time management, making it essential to provide them with strategies for organising their study time, especially when it comes to homework and extended projects. Techniques such as creating schedules, using timers, and employing time-blocking methods can help them stay on track. Here are some ideas:
- Visual timelines: Encourage students to create visual timelines using coloured markers or digital tools. This helps them visualise their study schedule over days, weeks, or months, making it easier to plan and allocate time for different tasks.
- Task-oriented timers: Suggest using timers with specific tasks. For instance, when doing their maths homework they could set a timer for 20 minutes of focused studying, followed by a five-minute break. This technique, known as the Pomodoro Technique, can enhance concentration and productivity.
- Digital calendar reminders: Teach students to use digital calendars with built-in reminders. They can set alerts for homework due dates, study sessions, and other commitments to ensure they stay organised and do not miss important deadlines.
- Colour-coded time-blocking: Introduce colour-coded time blocking, where students assign specific colours to different subjects or tasks on their timetable. This method adds a visual element to planning and helps in distinguishing between various activities.
- Task priority matrix: Guide students in creating a matrix with four quadrants: Urgent and Important; Important but Not Urgent; Urgent but Not Important; Neither Urgent nor Important. This matrix aids in categorising tasks and deciding which ones to tackle first.
Organisational techniques and note-taking
Challenges with executive functioning mean that neurodivergent students can struggle to demonstrate the breadth and depth of their learning because organisation and task completion gets in the way of demonstrating knowledge. We can support students to overcome this hurdle by exploring tools and methods that help them keep track of assignments, deadlines, and materials as well as teaching effective note-taking strategies, to aid them in organising and retaining information. Here are some ideas:
- Digital organisation apps: Introduce students to digital tools like Trello, Microsoft OneNote, or Evernote. These apps allow them to create to-do lists, organise tasks by priority, and store class notes in an easily searchable format.
- Colour-coded binders or folders: Encourage the use of colour-coded binders or folders for different subjects. This visual cue makes it simpler for students to locate and manage class materials, hand-outs, and assignments.
- Note-taking templates: Provide learners with note-taking templates, such as Cornell notes. These templates offer a structured format for recording key points, questions, and summaries during lessons, aiding comprehension and review.
- Mind-mapping for visual organisation: Teach students how to use mind-maps to visually organise thoughts and ideas. This technique can be particularly helpful for connecting concepts, planning essays, and summarising information in an engaging way.
- Digital mind-mapping tools: Introduce online mind-mapping tools like MindMeister or XMind. These platforms allow students to create digital mind-maps, add multimedia elements, and easily rearrange content to suit their organisational preferences.
Visual aids for enhanced understanding
Visual aids such as diagrams, mind-maps, and charts provide neurodivergent learners with alternative ways to grasp complex concepts. These aids can facilitate comprehension and retention and can be used to support both classroom-based learning and homework. Here are some ideas:
- Concept mapping: Encourage students to create concept maps or mind-maps to visually represent relationships between different ideas or concepts. This visual organisation can help them see the big picture and understand how individual components relate to each other.
- Colour-coding: Suggest using colour-coded highlighting or underlining while taking notes or studying. Different colours can represent different themes or categories, making it easier to identify key points and connections.
- Flowcharts and diagrams: Encourage the use of flowcharts or diagrams to break-down complex processes or systems. Visualising step-by-step sequences or cause-and-effect relationships can make intricate concepts more manageable.
- Comparative tables: Suggest creating comparative tables or charts to analyse and contrast different theories, models, or sets of data. This approach can help neurodivergent learners see similarities, differences, and patterns more clearly.
- Multimedia presentations: Encourage students to create multimedia presentations that incorporate images, audio clips, and short videos to explain complex concepts. This strategy provides an opportunity for learners to express their understanding creatively while enhancing comprehension.
Memory techniques and digital tools
Introducing memory aids like mnemonic devices and repetition can significantly aid neurodivergent learners in retaining information. Additionally, reducing the cognitive load of other tasks by recommending digital tools and apps that assist with organisation, note-taking, and study planning can increase the bandwidth students have to focus directly on their studies. Here are some ideas:
- Mnemonic devices: Teach students mnemonic techniques such as acronyms, visualisation, or creating memorable associations. These techniques can help them remember complex information by connecting it to familiar and easily recallable concepts.
- Spaced repetition: Explain the concept of spaced repetition, where learners review material at increasing intervals over time. Suggest using digital flashcard apps that implement this technique, helping them review and reinforce their learning more effectively.
- Digital note-taking tools: Introduce students to digital note-taking platforms that offer features like organisation, searchability, and synchronisation across devices. This can assist them in keeping their study materials easily accessible and well-structured.
- Voice recording apps: Recommend voice recording apps that allow students to record lessons, discussions, or their own summaries. Listening to these recordings while studying or on the way to school can reinforce learning.
- Interactive quizzes: Encourage the use of online platforms or apps that enable students to create their own interactive quizzes. Crafting these study tools themselves allows learners to engage with the material in a dynamic way, reinforcing their memory and understanding while also breaking down complex concepts into digestible chunks.
Final thoughts
Cultivating effective study habits for neurodivergent learners is about recognising their unique strengths, challenges, and preferences. I hope that by exploring and implementing some of the strategies outlined in this framework, you will be able to support your neurodivergent learners to enjoy their learning and show you the brilliant things they are capable of when some of the day-to-day barriers are removed for them.
- Dr Pooky Knightsmith is a passionate ambassador for mental health, wellbeing and PSHE. Her work is backed up both by a PhD in child and adolescent mental health and her own lived experience of PTSD, anorexia, self-harm, anxiety and depression. You can contact Pooky via www.pookyknightsmith.com. Find her previous articles and podcast and webinar appearances for SecEd, visit www.sec-ed.co.uk/authors/dr-pooky-knightsmith